Impaired students gain valuable
experience in workplace setting

Published: Saturday, August 01, 2009

Twenty-nine students from Lubbock and the South Plains got some valuable on-the-job experience in areas of employment that interests them thanks to Project SWEEP (Summer Work Experience and Empowerment Program).

Matthew White, 16, left, and Amber Deary, 18, two of the 29 students involved with Project SWEEP this summer, prepare for a meal at South Plains Food Bank.

The program was formed 15 years ago by the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services in Lubbock to train blind, visually, physically and cognitively impaired students, so they can live independently and gain practical work experience, said Juanita Barker, field director for the Division for Blind Services. The five-week program, based at Texas Tech, invites students from throughout West Texas with disabilities ranging from blindness to autism and cerebral palsy to live on campus and work in areas that appeal to them, from child care to food services, said Ms. Barker.

The program once was offered only to students with visual impairments, but is now open to those with other disabilities.

Sailor reenlisted by highest-ranking official

Recent reenlistment for Petty Officer Kenneth Crow of Wolfforth was anything but routine military procedure. The 22-year-old West Texan, who has completed four years in the U.S. Navy, was re-enlisted aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan by Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mullen has served as the principal military adviser to the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council since October 2007. It is a rare occurrence for a sailor to meet such an official, and even rarer to be re-enlisted by him, according to Lt. Cmdr. Ron Flanders. "The most senior man in the U.S. military re-enlisted this young man. He re-enlisted for three more years and will be in until 2012," said Commander Flanders.

Sen. Robert Duncan honored for work on health care

Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, has been honored by The Texas Hospital Association for his work to improve health care. Sen. Duncan - along with 11 other state legislators - was recognized for his "accomplishments related to health care during the 81st regular session of the Texas legislature," according to the THA. Sen. Duncan was chosen for his efforts to make it easier for small businesses to provide affordable health care coverage.

Legislation he drafted to protect patients from unexpected physician charges drew THA attention, as well. "Over the last legislative session, Sen. Duncan has been a champion not only for hospital and health care systems, but also for patients," said Jennifer Banda, THA senior director of government relations.

"Making health care available and affordable is one of the most important things we do," said Sen. Duncan, who chairs the State Affairs Committee and also serves on the Senate Finance Committee.

Texas agriculture gains seat at policy-making table

The appointment of Republican Sen. John Cornyn, the junior lawmaker from Texas, to the Senate agriculture committee spells good news for West Texans who are involved in the agriculture industry. It means they have a new ally in Congress. Agriculture groups in the state should expect to see a stronger legislative voice with Cornyn's appointment, something that's been lacking in recent years, said Steve Pringle, legislative director for the Texas Farm Bureau. Combined with Sen. Cornyn's seat on the finance committee and for now Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's seat on the appropriations committee, Texans are in a good position to influence agricultural policy, said Mr. Pringle. Local producers are looking forward to Sen. Cornyn's involvement because of his familiarity with agriculture, something lawmakers from urban areas often lack, said Barry Evans, president of Plains Cotton Growers and a farmer near Kress.

Lubbock's Martinson claims prestigious golf title

Mikel Martinson has put himself on the golfing world's radar in impressive fashion. The 24-year-old Lubbock resident won the Texas State Open at The Cascades in Tyler, playing four rounds in 16-under par. He joins a list of past champions including Texas golfing greats Lee Trevino, Ben Crenshaw, Jack Burke Jr., Homero Blancas, Keith Fergus, Blaine McCallister and Jeff Maggert. The Texas State Open had 144 players in the final field --- not counting those who tried and failed to make it to Tyler through qualifying at 22 courses around the state. Mr. Martinson played his way in by winning the one spot available in a qualifier at Midland Country Club.